In Becky's blog, she talks about the theory of developmental attraction and the reward-theory of attraction. She brought up the point that humans are attracted to the things that reward us most. She used the example of how people who have the same views stick together because it is comforting and rewarding to know someone is on the same level as you. This also effects dog ownership because people choose animals that relate to them most. Becky said it is a proven fact that people choose dogs they tend to look like. There are over a hundred different dog breeds and people choose their pets based on a number of reasons; how they look, how active they are, how big or small, how long their lifespan is, if they do well with children, and so on. Becky asks, "If you own a dog, what made you choose that breed? Also, do you think you look like your dog?"
I worked at a veterinary clinic for two years so I saw a lot of different breeds of dogs. I found that most owners seemed to resemble their pets and the ones that resembled them the most had the greatest amount of love and respect towards their animal. My family owns a Pomeranian (not my choice). I look nothing like a Pomeranian (thank you very much) but he technically isn't my dog. If I were to choose a dog breed, I would own a Siberian Husky because their active and playful, free-spirited, an d beautiful. I also have a soft spot for West Highland White Terriers. They are just too adorable. Working with all different kinds of dogs made me realize something; mixed breeds and shelter dogs are generally much better animals. Every purebred dog has a certain genetic problem but they tend to be valued more. The dogs rescued and brought to the vets were usually "mutts" but they were the kindest and most deserving animals. They just wanted a home. The purebreds I worked with were much more testy and mean but the mixed breed dogs were just the opposite. If I were recommending a new dog to a person, I would say it is best to go to a shelter and rescue a mixed-breed dog because they are the ones that seem to appreciate life much more than any sole breed does. But this is just my experience.
Another interesting idea I have thought about while daydreaming at the vets is how everyone truly does resemble a certain breed of dog. Based on how the dog looks and acts, every person in my life seems to have a dog counterpart. Something else I have learned is the stereotype pit-bulls and rottweilers have of being viscous animals is false. I knew the kindest rottweiler pair and a handful of other kind pit-bulls but I always thought they were scary animals. I think the way the media portrays these dogs is really negative. Any dog can be mean if his or her owner trains it that way or treats it poorly. Another topic about the treatment of animals is how people dress up their dogs to make them look like miniature humans. Pet stores have a huge variety of clothing for dogs but I wonder if this crosses a line of some sort. Animals aren't meant to be fashion statements. Do we dress up dogs to make them more human-like or to humiliate/torture them in the name of cuteness? I personally would never dress up a dog with human clothing but I want to know how you feel about the idea.
My question to you is: Is there a line being crossed when pet owners dress up their dogs to look like miniature humans? Is it wrong and unnatural to do this or is it just an innocent act, in your opinion? Why or why not?
Cute or just plain cruel?
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